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Haverhill Man Pleads Not Guilty To Murder

Brian E. Sewasky, 25, of 567 Washington St., Haverhill, pleaded not guilty to murder today in Haverhill District Court in the death of another Haverhill man, Patrick Donovan, 51, who was homeless.

Judge Patricia Dowling ordered Sewasky held without bail, and continued the case until February 27 for a probable cause hearing.

Essex Assistant District Attorney John DePaulo told the court that the two men were arguing at about 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, in front of the Richdale Store at 73 White Street, when Sewasky allegedly assaulted the victim, causing Donovan to fall and strike his head on the ground.

Donovan was transported to Merrimac Valley Hospital in Haverhill, then to Lawrence General Hospital, and ultimately was airlifted to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, suffering from severe head trauma. He died at 8:05 last night.

Sewasky was initially arrested on charges of felonious assault and battery, and assault and battery, but prior to arraignment the charges were upgraded to murder.